Road works to remove social distancing barriers in Rusholme’s curry mile has led to heavy traffic and long queues in south Manchester.
Pavement widening barriers on Wilmslow Road were installed last May in a bid to enable people to safely use the pavements from a social distance.
Heavy-duty Rhino barriers or cones were used to widen the footways while bus stops were moved and parking bays suspended where required.
As part of the temporary measures, pavements were also 'decluttered' of signs, bins, benches, bollards, railings and poles.
When announcing similar temporary initiatives in Deansgate, Manchester Council's executive member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, Coun Angeliki Stogia, said such measures would 'make it easier for people to socially distance' as they get around.
The barriers are now being removed as the Government’s new ‘rule of six’ restrictions came into effect across England on Monday.
Works to remove the barriers began on Monday afternoon (March 29) and resulted in congestion building up through the Curry Mile with heavy traffic also reported on surrounding routes.
The MancTraffic Twitter account reported Wilmslow Road was closed and that people should use Dickenson Road, Anson Road, Upper Brook Street and Hathersage Rod as alternatives.
The account later added that the road works were continuing to cause queues and delays on approaches and diversions.
Manchester Council said the barriers were being removed to 'help with preparations for Covid restrictions being eased and people coming back to frequent local businesses'.
Banners with essential social distancing and welcoming messages are also expected to be added in 'due course'.
A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "Following discussion with local businesses, it was decided that removing the temporary barriers would be the best course of action at this site to support trade, as very high levels of food deliveries and collections will be required after April 12.
"We will be working to ensure that Covid-19 legislation is followed on premises at all times, as businesses reopen."
